Blizzard in Iowa, December 16, 2000

A powerful storm system moved through the central U.S. during the day on the 16th. Low pressure tracked southeast into northern Missouri, then tracked northeast into the Great Lakes. Behind the low was a strong Arctic high pressure area. The pressure gradient was very tight between the two systems. As a result, very strong winds ushered in the Arctic air into the state. Although very little in the way of new snow fell in Iowa, snow covered the ground to a depth of 6 to 14 inches statewide. Most of the snow was loose snow, however freezing drizzle fell over the southeast half of the state during the previous night and limited the lifting of the snow to a point. As the Arctic air spilled into Iowa, temperatures fell from the mid to upper 20s into the single digits above and below zero within a few hours. Northwest winds of 25 to 40 MPH were common over the northwest half of the state, with occasional gusts to 50 MPH. The highest official wind gust in the Des Moines CWA was in Carroll with a gust to 52 MPH. Visibility dropped to zero very quickly as the cold air moved in with blizzard conditions reported. Travel was not recommended across the northwest half of Iowa. Interstate 35 was closed at the 142 mile marker, or at U.S. Highway 20, by early afternoon. By the late afternoon the interstate was closed from the 113 mile marker, just north of U.S. Highway 30. Reports indicated a 37 car pile up north of U.S. Highway 20 began the closure. Most businesses closed for the day and activities were postponed or cancelled. Wind chill indices dropped into the dangerously low category with wind chill values across the state between 40 and 65 degrees below zero. Spotty power outages were also reported, however no widespread outages occurred. To the southeast of the blizzard area conditions were not a whole lot better. Winds of 25 to 35 MPH were common with gusts to between 40 and 45 MPH. Visibilities were not as limited due to the layer of freezing drizzle on the snow. Occasional whiteout conditions were reported, but extended durations did not occur. Wind chill values in these areas were generally between 40 and 50 degrees below zero.